Green veggie smoothie à la Femke

Being an athlete performing at top class level, I have very little free time. My life mainly consists of training, travelling, analyzing games and recovering. So when I get a day off, I like to spend it at my parents' farm. It’s great to see my family and friends and to enjoy the beautiful nature at the same time. But living on a farm has more advantages! Like having a lot of pets, plenty of space around the house and the possibility to grow your own veggies and fruit. My parents constructed their own fruit and vegetable garden, inspired by my uncle, who owns an organic farm in Brazil. To me, this garden is one big source of fresh ingredients for healthy and delish meals, and… to make green smoothies!

Whenever I'm at my parents' farm, you will find me in the garden early in the morning to get some green leaves such as kale or spinach. Back in the house, I blend my freshly picked veggies together with some fruit I also picked from the garden. I make enough for the whole family, so everyone can start off their day with a fresh smoothie!

Lately, my favorite smoothie is one with both kale and spinach. If you also want start off your day fresh and fruity, try the recipe below. You might have to get used to the taste of kale, but this queen of greens has so many nutritional benefits, for example being high in fiber and iron. If you also add enough fruits to your smoothie you won’t even know it’s in there ;)

Veggie smoothie à la Femke (for a two liter blender, 6/7 glasses)

Ingredients:

• 4 leaves of kale

• 1/2 big hands full of spinach

• 250 ml water

• 1 banana

• 1 apple

• Some other kind of fruits (I use plums because these are in season in Holland now)

• A little bit of ginger, cinnamon and turmeric

• Half a lime/citrus

• And whatever you think is nice, just try something (maybe add parsley or something sweet) and you’ll figure out what works best for you!

How to make?
Wash the vegetables and the fruit. Then put the green leaves in the blender together with the water and blend it. After that’s done, add the fruit and spices. Blend it well and taste it, add something if you miss anything, if not; enjoy! Please let me know whether or not you like this smoothie and which secret ingredient you’ve added. Bon appétit!

Are there any other things you would like to ask my fellow teammates or me? Leave your questions in the comment below!